News

Has the Housing Market been broken beyond repair?

Lack of housing is one of the biggest issues facing the UK today, and with less and less Londoners being able to afford to buy a home in London, can the housing market be fixed and what can Theresa May and the current government do about it?

Thought they are looking to push forward with ensuring local councils approve more and more new homes, is this just accelerating the inevitable fact that without an adjustment to the affordability of these homes, they will simply go un-sold to the general public. The current government is trying to approve more homes to be built for key workers such as nurses and teachers which is a start on the road to rebuilding a housing market that we can all become a part of.

There are also plans for 5 new garden towns to be built between Oxford and Cambridge. Whilst this does not solve the immediate crisis in London with less and less Londoners being able to afford their own home in the Capital; it does present them with an alternative especially as they grow older and need to consider what a work/family life balance will actually look like.

Despite the rewrite of the planning rules six years ago, and more permissions being granted there has not been a significant increase in the number of new homes built as a result. This is because the private developers are “land banking” and not developing on sites they have acquired they are simply buying up pieces of land until such time that they can sell these to the highest bidder. Thus limiting the amount of new houses being built for years to come.

The government is appalled at this misuse of the system and in complete agreement that they wish to push forward with a “use it or loose it” rewrite to the planning rules. This will mean that any and all private developers that see fit in investing in large plots of land will have a responsibility to ensure building starts and continues to run to an acceptable level.

Last November, the Chancellor drew up plans for a limited number of buildings to be built around the green belt near train stations, however despite this move the plans were knocked back. Despite the previous month Theresa going on record to say that she would solve the broken housing market. Without the government freeing up some leeway to build in the green belt, is there any way for them to actually deliver on this promise?

The Prime Minister continually displays her trademark caution time and time again when it comes to making the big decisions that affect the UK housing market, but is this approach only appropriate on some issues. Do bigger issues such as the the broken housing market need a firm hand, and a leader with a real vision to deliver them?

There are no shortage of ideas within the House of Commons, but the real issues of solving Generation Rent and reducing the number of increasing rough sleepers needs to be tackled and these ideas should be put to the top of May’s agenda when it comes to solving the housing market problem.

Our Services

Request Callback

Family Run Removal Company

Mr Shifter Removals and Storage remains a Family owned and run business since 1982. We are proud that over 95% of our new business comes from our historic reputation and our customers’ recommendation.

We Are Experienced

All of our staff are permanently employed and professionally trained to the BAR requirements, and carry out exactly what are customers expect.

We Are Fast

We pride ourselves on providing an efficient and effective service at competitive rates. All our services are provided with Goods in Transit and Full Liability Cover included.

We can customise our services to meet your specific needs and timescales. Whether you need to move offices in a short period to reduce down time, or if you need help packing ahead of your move, we are here to help.

We Are Recommended

We ensure our customers are provided with a fully insured removal with Assured advice from a reputable Trade association.

Reach Us

Book Now

Testimonials

Full house removal

I recently used this company for a removal job and the work carried out was excellent. The two gentlemen who attended to the job were very efficient and courteous throughout, the whole job taking just three hours from start to finish. What I was expecting to be a very stressful day turned into the opposite thanks to the two of them

Customer in Darlington - &starf; &starf; &starf; &starf; &starf;

Removal and storage of home contents

Moving home can be stressful and everyone at Mr Shifter were courteous and helpful at all times. My home contents were put in storage and Matthew and his colleague were very careful with taking all my boxes down two flights of stairs with no problems at all. They were friendly and exceptionally tidy. I often spoke to Louise in the office and she was extremely helpful and friendly at all times. Would recommend Mr Shifter at all times

Customer in Ilford - &starf; &starf; &starf; &starf; &starf;

House move (removals). Long distance around 250 miles

Would've taken 2 days but due to unforeseen last minute issue with house purchase. They had almost finished packing the house to be informed of a delay (nothing to do with this company, just an awkward house purchase). Thankfully they were able to move our possessions into storage for a week and deliver to the new home. Which helped eliminate a great deal of stress, even with the added cost of doing this

Customer in Billingham - &starf; &starf; &starf; &starf; &starf;

Removals - moving from one house to another

The 2 gentleman arrived on time as agreed. They were both very professional and courteous. They were very efficient in loading and unloading, which took a lot of the stress off me. I would highly recommend and would definitely use them again. No need to look for anyone else to do any sort of moving job. I arranged this move at short notice and was impressed with the courteous service I received from my initial enquiry with the office, right through to the end of the move

Customer in Hornchurch - &starf; &starf; &starf; &starf; &starf;

House removal

Friendly service all the way through the company. Professional, calm, efficient, they made a stressful period much easier for me and my family. Great value too.